Post job

Biotechnologist vs science technician

The differences between biotechnologists and science technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a biotechnologist and a science technician. Additionally, a biotechnologist has an average salary of $54,160, which is higher than the $35,570 average annual salary of a science technician.

The top three skills for a biotechnologist include R, GMP and DNA. The most important skills for a science technician are lab equipment, safety regulations, and research projects.

Biotechnologist vs science technician overview

BiotechnologistScience Technician
Yearly salary$54,160$35,570
Hourly rate$26.04$17.10
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs10,86216,073
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Average age4040
Years of experience44

Biotechnologist vs science technician salary

Biotechnologists and science technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

BiotechnologistScience Technician
Average salary$54,160$35,570
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $80,000Between $26,000 And $47,000
Highest paying CitySilver Spring, MDBoston, MA
Highest paying stateConnecticutMassachusetts
Best paying companyAbbVieWayfair
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between biotechnologist and science technician education

There are a few differences between a biotechnologist and a science technician in terms of educational background:

BiotechnologistScience Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Most common majorBiologyBiology
Most common collegeJohns Hopkins UniversityDuke University

Biotechnologist vs science technician demographics

Here are the differences between biotechnologists' and science technicians' demographics:

BiotechnologistScience Technician
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 55.1% Female, 44.9%Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 13.5% White, 58.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2%Black or African American, 12.6% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.3% Asian, 12.8% White, 52.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between biotechnologist and science technician duties and responsibilities

Biotechnologist example responsibilities.

  • Manage laboratories and perform clinical research in diabetic and thyroid disease states.
  • Perform standard PCR assays for research group.
  • Purify enzymes using gravity, low pressure liquid chromatography, and AKTA FPLC.
  • Participate in semi-annual proficiency testing for forensic casework (CTS) and proficiency testing for engraftment monitoring (ASHI).
  • Quantify the final product form using solvent extraction and normal phase HPLC.
  • Maintain documentation and batch records in accordance with ISO and CE-IVD regulations.
  • Show more

Science technician example responsibilities.

  • Identify owl species by sight and sound prompt using hoot flute and reed caller.
  • Manage daily RCRA inspections and mechanical, electrical, and electronic equipment preventive/corrective maintenance procedures.
  • Administer laboratory tests and experiments that include various assays, such as ELISA and specialize technologies.
  • Create GIS layers and a corresponding database of artifacts find at various GPS locations in and around the project site.
  • Perform DNA quantification and real-time PCR analysis for determination of different bacterial species abundance.
  • Operate under GLP, FDA, EPA, and OSHA standards and requirements.
  • Show more

Biotechnologist vs science technician skills

Common biotechnologist skills
  • R, 23%
  • GMP, 13%
  • DNA, 13%
  • PCR, 12%
  • Assays, 10%
  • Extraction, 10%
Common science technician skills
  • Lab Equipment, 13%
  • Safety Regulations, 11%
  • Research Projects, 10%
  • Social Work, 7%
  • Data Entry, 4%
  • Technical Support, 4%

Browse life, physical, and social science jobs